South Carolina HVAC license

1. Who needs a license

$10,000 or more for a job (labor and materials) means a license is needed. (source: SC CLB: General Information (opens in a new tab), source: SC Code Title 40 Ch. 11 (opens in a new tab))

A General or Mechanical Contractor's license is needed for commercial work in regulated classifications when the cost is over $10,000. (source: SC CLB: General Information (opens in a new tab), source: SC Code Title 40 Ch. 11 (opens in a new tab))

• Residential builders (up to 3 floors, 16 units per building) need an RBC license when the job costs over $5,000. (source: SC Code Title 40 Ch. 59 (opens in a new tab))
• Residential specialty contractors are covered for jobs over $500. (source: SC Code Title 40 Ch. 59 (opens in a new tab))

Penalties

• Unlicensed commercial contracting: misdemeanor, up to 1 year in prison or a fine up to $5,000. (source: SC Code Title 40 Ch. 11 (opens in a new tab))
• Unlicensed residential work: misdemeanor, $500 to $10,000 fine, at least 30 days in prison, or both. (source: SC Code Title 40 Ch. 59 (opens in a new tab))

2. HVAC license classes

3. Fees, exam, bond and insurance

Fees

Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.

Experience and steps

1. Name a qualifying party Each classification needs a Primary Qualifying Party with 2 years' experience in the past 5 years. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))
2. Pass the exams Pass the technical exam where required and the business and law exam. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))
3. Show finances Submit a financial statement or surety bond for your group limit. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))

Exam

An exam is required. Exams are run by PSI. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))

• SC Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))
• Technical exam (where required) (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))

Bond

No bond is required. A surety bond can replace the financial statement. General: $20,000 (Group 1) to $350,000 (Group 5). Mechanical: $7,000 to $300,000. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))

• General contractor group bid and job limits: $100,000 (Group 1), $400,000, $1M, $3M, and unlimited (Group 5). (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))

Insurance

We're still verifying this, check the official board: CLB website (opens in a new tab).

Renewal

• Renew every 2 years. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))

General contractor licenses expire 31 October in even years; mechanical licenses in odd years. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))

4. How to look up a contractor

Check a license on the CLB website ↗ (official site, opens in a new tab)

How: Use SC LLR Licensee Lookup - Contractors for commercial work, or the Residential Builders Commission lookup for home builders. (source: SC CLB: General Information (opens in a new tab), source: SC Residential Builders Commission (opens in a new tab))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Reciprocity (license transfer)

We're still verifying this, check the official board: CLB website (opens in a new tab).

Use the reciprocity checker

6. Red flags when hiring

• Bids a commercial job above its group limit. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))
• Builds or remodels a home for over $5,000 without an RBC license. (source: SC Code Title 40 Ch. 59 (opens in a new tab))

7. How to complain

We're still verifying this, check the official board: CLB website (opens in a new tab).